Tyler Brooks
Candles are a great way to set the mood, but they can also be messy and leave wax stuck to the inside of your votive holders. There are a few tricks to prevent this from happening, such as adding a drop or two of water to the bottom of the holder before placing the candle, using wax paper, or even a cooking spray. If you're looking to remove wax that has already built up, freezing the votive holder can help the wax pop out, and you can also use warm soapy water to wash it off.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Before burning the candle | Put a drop of water in the bottom of the votive |
| Cut wax paper to the shape of the votive's base and place it at the bottom | |
| Use cooking spray | |
| Use wax paper with a bit of water | |
| Use a candle drip catcher | |
| After burning the candle | Put the candle in the freezer for 20-30 minutes |
| Boil the glass holder to remove wax residue |
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What You'll Learn
Place a drop of water in the votive before adding the candle
To prevent candles from sticking to votives, one of the most common methods is to place a drop or two of water in the votive before adding the candle. This method is confirmed by several online sources and is considered a nice preventative measure. It is important to be careful not to add too much water, as it can reach the candlewick and put out the flame.
This method can be used alongside other preventative measures, such as placing the candle in the freezer after use, which causes the wax to contract and makes it easier to remove. Additionally, it is recommended to use wax paper cut to the exact shape of the votive's base and placed between the candle and the glass. This provides a barrier that prevents the candle from sticking to the votive.
While these methods are effective in preventing and removing stuck candles, it is worth noting that some suggested solutions may not be safe. For example, using cooking spray as a lubricant is not advisable due to the risk of fire when combining oil and an open flame.
Overall, by placing a drop of water in the votive, freezing the candle after use, and using wax paper, you can effectively prevent and manage stuck candles in votives.
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Put the candle in the freezer for an hour
If you want to remove a finished candle from its holder, placing the candle and holder in the freezer for an hour can be an effective method. Freezing the candle will cause the wax to contract, making it easier to pop out of the holder.
However, it is important to note that freezing a candle before burning it may not be effective in making it last longer. While some believe that freezing a candle will make it burn slower, others argue that the flame's heat will quickly raise the temperature of the candle's surface, negating any potential benefit. Additionally, there is a risk that freezing a candle may cause it to crack or split, especially if exposed to rapid temperature changes.
To ensure the best results when freezing a candle to remove it from its holder, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the freezer. Depending on the size and type of candle, it may take longer than an hour for the wax to contract sufficiently. It is also recommended to use a freezer-safe container to avoid any waxy messes in your freezer.
While freezing candles may not significantly impact their burn time, it can be a useful technique for removing wax from holders. By freezing the candle and holder together, you can make the removal process easier and ensure that your holders are clean and ready for reuse.
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Use wax paper at the bottom of the votive
If you're looking for a way to keep your candles from sticking to votives, one potential solution is to use wax paper at the bottom of the votive. This method can be effective in preventing the candle wax from adhering directly to the glass surface of the votive holder.
To use this method, start by cutting a piece of wax paper to fit the base of your votive holder. You can be as precise as you like to ensure the wax paper doesn't show around the edges. Place this piece of wax paper at the very bottom of the votive holder, creating a barrier between the candle and the glass.
The wax paper will help prevent the candle wax from bonding strongly with the glass, making it easier to remove any excess wax once the candle has burned down. This technique is particularly useful if you plan to reuse or sell your votive holders after each use.
While this method can be helpful, it's worth noting that it may not always guarantee a completely mess-free experience. Some users have reported that combining this technique with a small amount of water at the bottom of the votive holder can enhance its effectiveness.
Additionally, it's important to be cautious when using any flammable materials, such as paper, in close proximity to an open flame. Always ensure that the wax paper is cut to size and placed securely at the bottom of the votive holder to minimize any potential fire hazards.
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Use a candle drip protector
If you want to keep candles from sticking to votives, one option is to use a candle drip protector. These protectors are placed underneath the candle to catch any wax drips, preventing them from sticking to the votive. They are typically made of glass or plastic and come in various shapes and sizes to fit different candle types.
Glasseam, for example, offers a set of 12 clear glass bobeches (also known as candle drip protectors or wax catchers) that can be used with taper candle holders. These protectors are well-made, pretty, and functional, according to customers. They effectively keep wax off tables and complement crystal candle sticks, enhancing the ambiance of the room. Some customers note that they are heavy enough to handle a volume of hot wax. However, the fit receives mixed reviews, with some finding them too small for their candles.
Another option is the OwnMy 4-piece set of glass bobeches, which includes round glass candle drip protectors with floral taper candles. These protectors are also well-suited for wedding, party, and home use. Additionally, Vesici offers a set of 15 clear glass bobeches, while Hewory provides a set of 12 ribbed candle drip protectors with a scalloped design, perfect for wedding, party, church, or home use.
When choosing a candle drip protector, it is important to consider the size and type of your candles to ensure a proper fit. These protectors are an elegant and practical solution to prevent wax from sticking to your votives and can even enhance the overall aesthetic of your candle display.
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Boil the votive to remove wax
Boiling water is a simple and effective way to remove wax from votives. It is a popular method, but caution must be taken to avoid a few potential pitfalls. Firstly, do not use boiling water directly on the wax. This will melt the wax, and it will likely go down the drain, causing a blockage. Instead, warm a pan of water and place the votives in the pan. The wax will begin to soften, and you can then use a knife to lift it out. A butter knife is recommended as it will not scratch the glass.
Another method is to fill the votives with hot water. Boil a kettle and fill the votives about two-thirds full. The hot water will melt the wax, causing it to rise to the top. Once cooled, the wax can be easily removed. This method also removes the glue that holds the metal wick in place.
It is important to note that boiling water can cause glass to shatter, so always exercise caution when using this method. It is also recommended to finish the process by washing the votives with soapy hot water to remove any remaining wax residue.
Some people have reported success by simply placing the votives in the freezer for a few hours. This causes the wax to pop out easily without the need for boiling water. However, if you do opt for the boiling method, always ensure the votives are at room temperature before placing them in the freezer.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to keep candles from sticking to votives. One way is to put the candle and votive in the freezer for a few hours. Another way is to put a drop or two of water in the bottom of the votive before placing the candle.
It is recommended to put the candle in the freezer for at least an hour. Some sources suggest that leaving the candle in the freezer overnight will help it pop out more easily.
Only a drop or two of water is needed in the bottom of the votive. Be careful not to add too much water, or it may come up over the candle and put it out.
Some sources suggest using cooking spray or wax paper at the bottom of the votive. However, others warn that fire and oil may not mix.
If wax has already built up on your votive, you can put it in the freezer or soak it in warm water. The wax will then pop off, and you can wash the votive in warm soapy water.
